Srinagar: Fresh snowfall in upper reaches of Kashmir has brought cheers to the tourism sector triggering joy among tourists and the local residents linked to the tourism industry.
A large number of tourists have been visiting Kashmir to enjoy the snow-clad mountains and bright sunshine in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “Kashmir is so beautiful. I think I should be visiting every six months,” said a tourist.
Tourists from across India throng Gulmarg
Large number of tourists from Uttar Pradesh have come to Gulmarg and enjoy the snowfall. “The weather is beautiful, and we were lucky to witness snow. It is for the first time that I have seen snow-clad mountains, and the view is beautiful,” said another tourist.
Another tourist from Delhi said they had not expected snowfall, and the mountains looked like a canvas. “The people here are so nice. They make us feel so comfortable. I think that is what makes this place so special,” said the tourist from Delhi.
Kashmir tourism department plans activities for tourists
Gulmarg located at an altitude of 8,000 feet and is 50-km north of summer capital Srinagar. The place is also known as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’.
The Kashmir tourism department has lined up various activities to enrich the experience of New Year revellers as a number of programmes have been planned for the New Year’s Eve, including a musical evening, a firecracker show, night skiing, and torch skiing.
Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh
Meanwhile, the Union Territory of Ladakh will host the ice events at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from January 23 to 27, while the UT of Jammu & Kashmir will host the snow events from February 22 to 25.
Having started the Khelo India Winter Games in 2020, almost 1,000 athletes, including 306 women, took part in the inaugural edition. The participation has increased over the years as more than 1,350 athletes in 2021 and 1500-plus in 2022 highlighted the growing attraction of the winter games in J&K.
